Home renovation – 5 steps to modernizing your home
If you're just starting out on your home renovation journey, you will quickly find yourself overwhelmed with the practicalities of bringing your dream home to life. From finding out what permits you need to finding the professionals that will help you to realize your home's potential.
When it comes to renovating a house you can easily be blindsided by technical jargon and legal requirements all the while trying to figure out where to start. Thankfully, these six steps will set you on the right track to ensure a successful home remodel.
Home renovation – everything you need to know
So you’ve decided that this is the year that you’re going to transform your house into your dream home. But what next? Whether you’re planning a home addition, seeking to make eco home improvements or planning a basement extension, the same essential steps will help you to realise your vision as seamlessly as possible.
Get all permits and permissions in place
Before your get carried away with home addition ideas and contractors, you need to get everything in order. This means sorting out all legislation and permissions that you need to legally start building work. The specific requirements and documents you need to provide will vary from state to state, however the intention is the same.
Often perceived as a difficult hurdle that's designed to stop you doing what you want, permits in fact protect the value of your property and of your neighborhood by preserving the characteristics that drew you to in in the first place.
'A permit is required if electrical, mechanical and plumbing are involved, but this can be different from one jurisdiction to another,' says Christopher from MODE4 Architecture. 'Always check local building code and permitting requirements.
There are many cases of homeowners attempting to carry out home renovation projects without permissions, however, this can prove a costly as if you get found out. If not, you run the risk of having to tear the addition down, losing all the time and money you’ve invested in the process. You will also need to produce the permit documents should you come to sell your house – without them, you will lose money on the house.
2. Establish your budget
Budget is the main sticking point for any renovation project – a shortage of money will quickly bring your project to a crashing halt or will have you making significant compromises to your plan. If undertaking an extension, then it is vital to know about home addition costs in order to establish a comprehensive budget.
Often the first step is to gain an understanding of what design options are available, the likely costs and pitfalls, an idea on timeline and a high-level understanding of what is required by way of planning and building regulations. The decisions that are made upfront obviously impact the whole process and will form the framework of how you approach your building works and your budget,’ explains Jude Tugman, managing director at Architect Your Home.
3. Employ an architect
Hiring an architect is a valuable asset to your home renovation project in London. They will ensure your renovation ideas are practical and realistic and will transform your thoughts into a physical plan. ‘Before getting a quote, it is good to meet with the architect at your property and do a walk-around so you can explain your hopes and dreams for your project,’ explains Nancy. ‘This will allow your architect to get a good idea about the scope of the work and you will be able to see if your vision for the work is aligned with the architect's own style.’
‘When deciding who to go with, consider that your architect will need to be someone professional and serious as well as light hearted and friendly. For most people, your home is the biggest asset you have and you need a safe pair of hands and someone with the right experience to ensure that you add value and protect and enhance your property.’ It is also important to check that your architect is registered with the American Institute of Architects to assure the quality of their work.
4. Figure out the project management
You have four options when it comes to managing the project. The first option is to hire an architect with a ‘full-service ’, which will cover everything from the initial design to overseeing the construction of the project.
Secondly, you can appoint a design/contractor company who will have in-house professionals that will be able to assist with each different stage of your project. This is a good option if you are unfamiliar with the world of home renovation, as the in-house professionals will bring the benefit of having the experience you lack.
5. Get your contractors
Another key figure (or figures) in your home renovation and remodel contractors. They will bring the project to life and will also be responsible for its quality. Therefore, it is important that you choose carefully.
‘Work with licensed, pre-vetted professionals. It never hurts to do a little research on the professionals you are considering to ensure they are properly licensed and insured for the particular task at hand. Any credible professional should have this information ready to offer when asked. This helps to protect you and the professional. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or state licensing board to verify credentials,’ says Kerri Osterlund, senior manager for contractor relations for American Home Shield.
‘One way to ensure your contractor is properly licensed and qualified is to invest in a home warranty plan from a reputable provider like American Home Shield, which operates through a comprehensive network of pre-vetted, credible, skilled and trusted contractors that are subject to regular reviews and feedback.’
Talk to your contractors' previous clients – they will provide you with honest answers to questions such as whether the contractors turn up when expected; whether they worked to the timescales; whether they would recommend them? You will also be able to see their previous work. If you live in an old or listed property, make sure your contractor has specific experience with these too.
What's the difference between a renovation and a remodel?
The difference between a renovation and a remodel is actually quite simple. A home renovation is a project that seeks to change something existing, restoring it to its previous grandeur, this could include things such as as repainting walls, repairing damage or reinvigorating your interior design. A home remodel on the other hand transforms the layout and structure of the room, this could include projects such as a kitchen remodel, making a living room open-plan or adding a house extension.
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